Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't wait to read the next in the series...., 23 May 2002
When I got the email back from Steve, saying I'd won this book I thought "Great; this should be cool" If only I'd known just how good a book it is! On the back, at the very bottom it says '...an easily accessed reference that no serious student should be without.' This is an understatement. I've read other books on herbs and plants, mind altering and otherwise, and this is the first one that I've been able to UNDERSTAND. It gives the latin names for all the plants, other names they go by, a description and a photo or illustration where available. There is a breif history of each, and the practical and recreational uses of all the herbs. Everything is explained in easily understandable terms, and there are Glossaries for both Botanical and Medical terms, for any words needed that may need explaining further. I don't claim to be big on herbs and plants (In fact, I was going to get this book to learn about them anyway), but this book goes a long way towards helping me learn more about those that surround the area in which I live; Well worth the money and an excellent reference guide for anyone interested in the plants and herbs of the Northern Hemisphere.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Book - But Careful! It could kill you..., 1 Mar 2007
The book lists 65 plants in alphabetical order, with black and white photos, and illustrations throughout. There is a botanical glossary, medical terms glossary, and it is indexed. As such, it is more of a reference book than a cover to cover read. It makes interesting browsing and is user-friendly, unlike many of the plants described!
As one would expect for this subject, necessary well known inclusions are cannabis, opium poppy, tobacco, magic mushrooms, peyote, as well as alternative use of hops, the witches' favourite, Henbane, and Mandrake (Harry Potter fans may well appreciate this one). Some herbs, including such regulars as Fennel and St John's Wort are noted here for their effects, too.
The author's method lists the name of the plant, the family to which it belongs, and other names used. That is followed by a botanical description and history, with notable references in literature, and pertinent astrological information. The medical uses for extracts are described, as well as herbal remedies, and the sort of 'trip' the plant could give (with suitable warnings depending upon the plant's toxicity - ie. Monkshood).
There are accounts of psychoactive effects, too (some personally witnessed by the author), so if the book is purchased and read with that intention, take note. As a source for passive information, it provides useful reference to plants that will be in many peoples' gardens.
The statement at the start of the book should be heeded. "Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book. It is sold for entertainment purposes only. Be warned!". The reviewer adds the same caution. Caveat emptor.
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